Thank you for all the amazing emails! Gary has received so many great messsages to messageboard@garyhalljr.com from all over the world including swim fans, other Olympians, swim coaches, and diabetes patients.

If you would like to send Gary an email you can do so and Gary will try to personally answer your email as soon as possible.

April 1, 2004

Message:

It's amazing. I watch Fox and Friends every single morning, and they NEVER talk about Diabetes. So, I thank you for talking about it.
Actually, when I saw you test yourself, it was just great.
By the way, what was your blood sugar number? Was it 71 or 270? I'm just curious. Thanks again!

Herb M

Gary's Response:

Herb,

Not to worry, the reading was 70 something.
Thanks for writing and thanks for watching.

Gary

March 29, 2004

Message: Dear Gary,

As a mother of a teenage son who loves playing soccer and basketball, I am hoping you can share how you can maintain good blood sugars without getting low during sports. My son uses his own strategy which concerns me. He gets his number up on purpose, above a 200 so that when his blood sugars drop during exercise, he won't drop too low. He knows if he gets too low he's having to sit out for as long as 30 minutes. Please share how you don't get low and can swim and practice without interruption.
Thank you for encouraging so many with your time spent on these emails. Your generosity is a blessing to many.

God's Blessings to you and your family,

Debbie

March 31, 2004

Name: Rich Appel

Message:

My name is Rich Appel. I am a Major in the US Army Reserves and have been deployed to Iraq since last February. I soon (end of April) will return to my family in Wisconsin. My son has had Type 1 Diabetes since he was 2 (he is now 7). We have been actively working to overcome this disease - We hold a golf tourney and particpate in the walk yearly - As a family we have done much - Yet he still feels alone in this fight. I thank you for this website and being a spokesman for my boy and other people with diabetes. I am encouraging him to follow you and your dedication to LIVING with the disease rather than having it control you. He loves swimming and has been a "fish" since he could walk!

I would love the opportunity to talk with someone about having you speak at our golf tourney dinner - Each year we have raised $20,000+ as a family/community at the event. It would be an honor if an arrangement could be made to have you come to Wisconsin and speak to all the people regarding this disease. Please let me know of the procedures to work this out. > > I have a few heros in my life who I look up to. A few of them were killed here in Iraq and will not be returning with me.

You are the newest member to my list - I will follow your career closely with my son - Please make great decisions - His eyes will be upon you! Most

respectfully - Rich Appel

Message:
I have been diabetic since I was thirteen and I will turn twenty-one in May. I have been on the pump since I was 18. I am in perfect health as far as my diabtetes. The biggest problem I run into is that I feel it limits my ability to build muscle tissue. I have been working out religiously since 18. I have seen results but I feel as though I have hit a wall and I cant seem to get passed it. Right now I stand 6'4" I weigh about 187lbs and I have about 8% body fat. I have altered my workouts time and time again and it seems I dont get any stronger. My max bench ever is around 285lbs. I have a 40in chest and alittle better than 17in biceps. I have come to the realization that I will never be huge but I feel it would be better to be more defined and cut than a beast. I was wondering if you had any adviise on workouts to help build up the size of my chest?

Right now my routine is bench 12-10-10 for 3 reps incline 12-10-10 for 3 reps curls/ triceps 12-10-10 for 3 reps decline 12-10-10, 10 min ab workout and then cardio for about 15 and that is for Monday, Wednesday, and friday
If you cant give me any advise on this subject, could you maybe refer me to someone who could.

Thanks, Ryan Cannon

Gary's Response:

Daniel,

Thanks for your note. I really don't think about "inspiration" while going about my daily business. I simply want to live life without diabetes getting in the way. Since being diagnosed and subsequently doing well at the Olympics I have received many letters from people such as yourself and it is always an "inspiration" to hear from you. It motivates me to get up on the starting blocks again to prove to the world that diabetes does not have to stand between you and your dreams. Thank you again for your encouragement.

Gary Hall Jr.

March 11, 2004

Name: Roy M

Message: Hello,

My son, Tom, was just diagnosed with type 1. I'd be grateful if you could send him a note. At the doctor's office the other day, he saw your picture and reached out to touch it.

Thanks,

Roy the Dad

Gary's Response:

Tom,

"Welcome to the club," is what they said to me when I was diagnosed with diabetes. "No thanks," is what I wanted to say. It didn't really matter if I said it or not, I had diabetes. There isn't much you can do about the fact that you have diabetes. There is a LOT that you can do about managing your diabetes. As long as you are able to avoid the very serious complications that diabetes can (does not mean that it is inevitable) cause you will be fine and diabetes will not stop you from doing anything you want to do.

I rarely talk about my success, how some people have used me as an example to inspire others. I will say this though, if I am able to compete against and beat the best athletes in the world despite having diabetes then you can do just about anything- if you manage this disease properly. THAT is the key. Do a great job at that and you too will one day inspire others living and dealing with diabetes. I wish you the best of luck with all that you do. Do not let diabetes stand between you and your dream.

Gary Hall Jr.

For More information about Gary Hall Jr. please contact David Arluck: (305) 674-3237